Clinks Light Lunch | Issue 894 | 15 August 2025

Light lunch

In this issue...

CLINKS NEWS: The Civil Society Covenant – A New Model for Partnership

In our latest blog, we provide our response to the Civil Society Covenant, a set of principles to strengthen collaboration between public bodies and the voluntary sector. It applies across the UK, covering government departments, local authorities, NHS organisations, and more.

The Covenant promotes mutual respect, trust, co-investment, innovation, and transparent funding processes. It will be supported by a Joint Covenant Council, a Local Partnerships Programme, and a VCSE–HM Treasury forum.

Clinks welcomes the recognition of civil society’s role, particularly in criminal justice, and urges senior Ministry of Justice representation on the Covenant Council. Our response highlights ongoing challenges such as late engagement, power imbalances, and financial barriers, and sets out recommendations for more inclusive and effective partnerships.

Read the blog here: "The Government publishes the Civil Society Covenant - Clinks' response"

CLINKS NEWS: Reducing Reoffending Third Sector Advisory Group recruitment 

The Reducing Reoffending Third Sector Advisory Group (RR3) is the key interface between the voluntary sector and the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) and HM Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS). Chaired and convened by Clinks, the group provides policy advice, supports commissioning strategies, and helps identify gaps in service provision. As a reminder, we are now recruiting for two new seat holders on the RR3. The deadline to apply is [17:00 on Monday, 25 August 2025]. Please see below for more details. 

Seat holder for Employment
This seat is available for a senior leader who works for an organisation supporting people who have had contact with the criminal justice system into employment, and brings expert knowledge of service delivery and sector challenges. Find out more and apply here

Seat holder for substance misuse
The successful candidate will represent the experiences of organisations delivering substance misuse support to people in contact with the criminal justice system, and contribute expert insight on service delivery and systemic challenges. Find out more and apply here

MEMBER FOCUS: The Calico Group Ltd

The Calico Group is a collective of innovative charities and businesses working to improve lives across health, care and support, employability and skills, housing, and construction and regeneration. Within the criminal justice sector, it delivers drug and alcohol services in HMP Manchester and HMP Buckley Hall, supported housing for ex-offenders in Manchester, Rochdale and East Lancashire, and a range of domestic violence services, including refuges, safe houses, and perpetrator programmes. It also runs behavioural change programmes and community substance misuse services in Blackpool (Horizon) and Manchester, and promotes peer support and lived experience across its services. As a registered social landlord, Calico manages 4,500 properties and provides extensive care and support to vulnerable people. Find out more

CLINKS MEMBER’S NEWS: Acquired Brain Injuries and the Criminal Justice System

Providing tailored support to people in the criminal justice system with an acquired brain injury (ABI) could help to enhance rehabilitation, improve mental health, and support positive engagement with the prison regime, according to new research from Brainkind, the UK’s largest charity supporting people with ABIs and complex neurological conditions.

The findings are contained in a new report evaluating the effectiveness of tailored treatment and support for people who screened positive for a possible ABI in two prisons in South Wales. Since 2002, the Brain Injury Linkworker Service has been supporting people in prison and on probation in HMP Cardiff and HMP Swansea.

The report found:

  • All individuals felt that they had ‘achieved’ or ‘mostly achieved’ their personal goals, such as increased emotional regulation, greater control of impulsive behaviour, and improved concentration.
  • The number of people on the enhanced regime – requiring a commitment to rehabilitation and an enhanced engagement with prison life – was three times greater post intervention.
  • Participants reported being better able to understand their ABIs and explain their difficulties to others. Over half (61%) reported feeling more in control of how they respond to their circumstances.
  • The service had a significant impact on the mental health of participants. Levels of reported severe anxiety dropped from 65% to 30% post-intervention. Likewise, levels of severe and moderate-to-severe low mood declined from 59% to 39%.

For more information, read the report "Tailored Support Improves Outcomes for People with Acquired Brain Injuries in the Criminal Justice System" or contact laurence.newman@brainkind.org

CLINKS MEMBER’S NEWS: Understanding people in prison overseas

Prisoners Abroad are thrilled to publish the third edition of their annual Cheal Report - Understanding people in prison overseas. Named after one of their founders, Chris Cheal, this report is compiled using data that Prisoners Abroad collected and had access to across 2024-25. It brings together important insights into the number and characteristics of British people that are in prisons around the world, their family and friends, and those that return to the UK each year. Read the Cheal Report 2024-25

CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: Immediate deportation planned for Foreign National Offenders 

The Government plans to introduce powers for the immediate deportation of some Foreign National Offenders (FNOs) after sentencing, extending current rules that allow removal after serving 30% of a sentence.

Since July 2024, 5,200 FNOs have been deported – a 14% rise – supported by £5m for specialist prison staff. The new powers will apply to current and future prisoners, with exceptions for serious offenders. Legislation will be brought to Parliament in due course. Read the press release 

CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: Pre-Tender launch event

The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) would like to thank all the organisations who have engaged so far to help design and shape future services. They are now at the point where they would like to discuss all the final decisions in relation to the future men's Commissioned Rehabilitative Services. 

Prior to the tender launch, the MoJ would like the opportunity to go through the key decisions with the sector to build awareness of how the tender and contracts will be constructed [11 September, 10:30 - 15:00, online, free].

The virtual session will be covering: Overview of the services; Procurement Overview; Timescales; Values; Evaluation; Methodology; Financial Response Template; Contract; Overview of contract structure; Key contractual decisions e.g Staff transfers, IPR, supply chain; Practical elements of submitting a response.

Please register for the Pre-Tender launch event by following this link (Clinks apologises for the broken link last week).

The probation sourcing team look forward to updating you on everything they’ve been working on! 
If you have any queries ahead of the event, please contact probationsourcingteam@justice.gov.uk 

CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: Voluntary sector grant scheme

The MoJ is pleased to invite Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) organisations to attend a virtual market engagement event [8 September, 14:00, online, free] for the "Better Rehabilitation Outcomes Through Enabling the Voluntary Sector" Grant Scheme.

The grant scheme is a [£3 million initiative running from 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2029]. The MoJ encourages all interested VCSE organisations to attend and help shape the future of rehabilitative services.

Organisations must register for the event via the Jaggaer e-sourcing portal. Once logged in, search ‘PQQ_519 - Market Engagement Event: Rehabilitation Grants Scheme 2026-2029'

To receive a Teams invitation, please send a message via the Jaggaer portal [before 16:00, 4 September].

CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: Intensive Supervision Courts: Expression of Interest

The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) has published an Expression of Interest (EOI) bundle for the future rollout of further Intensive Supervision Courts (ISCs, in response to the Lord Chancellor's acceptance of Independent Sentencing Review's recommendation for a wider rollout of ISCs as a more effective response to persistent involvement in the justice system.

The ISC model was designed as a problem-solving approach which supports the complex needs of individuals with repeat involvement in the justice system, such as substance misuse. These courts offer structured, community-based interventions including regular judicial oversight, tailored support services, and enhanced supervision.

Given the promising early results and international examples of their efficacy in reducing reoffending behaviours, and the MoJ is inviting Expressions of Interest from courts across England and Wales to join the initiative, with rollout scheduled for Spring 2026.

Applications can be made to iscs@justice.gov.uk by [Friday, 17 October 2025].

CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: MOPAC Victims Voice Forum - London's Black Communities

The London Mayor's Office for Policing and Crime (MOPAC) has announced an opportunity for a Black community organisation to establish a Victim Voice Forum for victims from London’s Black communities. More information about this opportunity can be found here: MOPAC Victims Voice Forum for London's Black Communities - Find a Tender.

MOPAC will be holding an online Market Engagement/Warming event on [10:00, Thursday 4 September] and are keen to gauge interest in this opportunity. The event link is here: Victim Voice Forum for London's Black Communities: Provider Market Warming Tickets, Thu 4 Sep 2025 at 10:00 | Eventbrite

If you have any questions, please email: Brendan.Charnock@mopac.london.gov.uk.

NON-MEMBERS’ EVENT: Dementia community event

West Midlands Police (WMP) is hosting a Dementia community event [7 September, 11:00 - 17:00, Lord Knights Suite, Tally Ho!, Birmingham, B5 7RN]. This is a chance to bring everybody together and give the community an insight and awareness of the services available across the West Midlands for people living with Dementia in any capacity.

There will be entertainment on the day, including the Dementia choir performance • WMP brass band • 1920’s style cinema experience • Lots of stalls • Dementia Bus VR experience • Professionals will be discussing the need for Dementia Awareness across the force and within our communities. Visit the event page to learn more and to sign up to attend.

FEATURED VACANCY: Project Coordinator & Families Assessment and Intervention Practitioner 

Circles South East is recruiting Project Coordinators and a Family Assessment & Intervention Practitioner across the South East and London regions. [£35,295, 12-month fixed term, with potential to move to permanent contract. Full and part-time hours available]. They are looking for individuals with experience working in the criminal justice system, strong knowledge of risk assessment, and a multi-agency approach. You must have experience working with those who have sexually harmed. Key responsibilities include delivering Circles of Support and Accountability and similar services, supervising volunteers, conducting risk and suitability assessments, programme/intervention/specialist training delivery, and contributing to service development. Duties and working arrangements vary by post. [Find out more and apply here by 5 September 2025].    

FEATURED VACANCY: Engagement & Support Officer

Fine Cell Work is seeking an ambitious and dynamic Engagement and Support Officer to join thier team [£28,000 - £30,000, Full time, London]. Fine Cell Work is a charity and creative social enterprise committed to the rehabilitation of people in prison, and post-release. In this role you will have a comprehensive understanding of the challenges faced by people in contact with the criminal justice system and will work proactively to establish meaningful, sustainable cross-referral pathways with external agencies. You will nurture a professional, inclusive, and safe working environment, using your knowledge, insights, and expertise to support tangible outcomes for all "Open The Gate" programme participants. [Find out more and apply here by 7th September 2025]. 

CLINKS MEMBERS’ VACANCIES:

Specialist Support Worker 25/44 with Imagine Independence [£23,870, Padiham (Lancashire), full time]; Senior Support Coach with Social Interest Group [£28,600, Redbridge, full time]; Specialist Support Worker 25/43 with Imagine Independence [£10,184, Oswaldtwistle, part time]; Relief Specialist Support Worker (Ref: 25/42) with Imagine Independence [£12ph, Foxhills, part time]; Liaison & Diversion Keyworker with The Nelson Trust [£25,000 – £27,000, Gloucester, full time]; Relief Specialist Support Worker 25/41 with Imagine Independence [£12ph, Oswaldtwistle/Padiham, part time]; Employment Adviser with Offploy CIC [£26,000 – £26,500, Newcastle/South Shields, full time]; Neurodiversity Lead with ADVANCE [£29,000 – £32,000, Hammersmith & HMP Bronzefield, full time]; Criminal Justice Diversion Keyworker with The Nelson Trust [£25,000 – £27,000, Bridgwater (Somerset), part time]; Senior Criminal Justice Project Worker with The Nelson Trust [£27,000 – £29,000, Bridgwater (Somerset), full time].

For more information about these vacancies, and many more, click here

READS OF THE WEEK:

EXTRA INFORMATION:

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